Hunting for hidden gems
Self-released albums were king in 2012.
Anaïs Mitchell
Courtesy of Jay Sansone
Good news, music lovers! If the astounding variety of exciting new music that was self-released in 2012 is any indication, the demise of the big record companies has left behind a shimmering silver lining. Without the pressure to score the next big hit single, this DIY generation is suddenly on fire with unfettered creativity. Here is a rundown of some recent gems you might have missed.
Anaïs Mitchell is a captivating singer/songwriter from Vermont, whose 2012 album "Young Man in America" won the kind of unanimous critical superlatives rarely seen. Ms. Mitchell's little-girl voice belies the depth of her talent, and her songs and stories will touch your heart and stir your soul.
Montreal's Patrick Watson creates echo-laden musical cinemascapes, his angelic falsetto vocals narrating the unfolding scenes, painting vivid aural pictures. "Adventures in Your Own Backyard" will draw you into its cotton-candy web.
